Would you buy a dealer mannequin?

[MillerAndCheeto]

100% no!! I know how people drive the test cars - they want to see the acceleration first and foremost and that is totally against the proper break-in process. The only time I'd take a mannequin is if it was significantly marked down (like 10-15% off). Other than that, hell no.

Sponsored

 

[SuperFord]

I've seen how they get driven, and I've seen how I've driven one. Hell no!

They've been bounced off the rev limiter off a cold start more times than a 16 year old's Civic.

Our dealer mannequins mostly just sat on display in the showroom.

 

[TX-Hans]

Maybe. As others have suggested, do a through examination underneath for rock scrapes, etc., the tires and wheels for tell-tale signs of abuse, and go over the rest of it very carefully. Get the dealer to agree to fix anything out of sorts. Ask for the vehicle service/repair history, and confirm in writing that there has been no body damage or repairs that are not on the vehicle service/repair history report. Maybe see if you can get the $5k in dealer add ons waived or reduced further in price, and, if not, see if you can get some added value and peace of mind by getting them to throw in an extended warranty at no added cost (as part of the $5k in extras).

 

[USAGUY]

Absolutely yes

 

[Blackcat]

I would after just getting off the phone with a dealer about a demo. This particular dealer would not 'demo' the vehicle if they got a $5K deposit. They'd have to let it sit for a few more months before they release it, but if you pony up the $, no one will drive it. That said, it's a 2 door BB that they want $48K for, so I won't be putting down the deposit for that one......

 

[604Bronco]

Heck no. You think people drive the crap out of a rental car? Well this is essentially an off-road rental vehicle that hasn’t even been broken in yet. I wouldn’t touch that with a ten foot pole, even if it still is under warranty, etc.

 

[okbob]

I've bought two demo f250 over the years, no issues with either, both under 5k miles and both GREATLY discounted....no way I'd pay MSRP let alone ADM on any demo.

 

[PrepVet]

With a mark up on a demonstration car? Hell nope.

 

[Big Boss]

I've test driven 3 mannequins. All 3 were thoroughly flogged. Salesmen didn't care. 2 of them encouraged it.

This ^

So the answer is 100% no shot. When I took my local dealers mannequin for a test drive that was one of the first things I asked was mind if I hammer it and salesmen said go for it. Pretty sure it had less than 1k miles on it. I can only imagine how the mannequins have been treated on test drives. I mean, they were literally built to be test drive units. No shot

 

[Samsquantch]

I've test driven 3 mannequins. All 3 were thoroughly flogged. Salesmen didn't care. 2 of them encouraged it.

"Thoroughly flogged"

 

[Bt_ostate]

No chance!! Overpriced and abused. Might as well buy a well worn rental car and overpay for it.

Would have to be heavily discounted for me to ever consider one and I'd likely still pass on them.

Most have bern thoroughly used and abused.

 

[blogue]

Thanks everyone. Aside from all the reasons mentioned above - I was concerned about what bugs were possibly worked out after the mannequins were built. Just another reason to say no. I'll let you know what my friend decides.

 

[Ice Age]

Should make a POLL that would give the No a better chance of being the majority.

 

[BroncoPls!]

If it was built the way I wanted, then HELL Yes I would buy it. Everyone makes it sound like you would be stuck with a lemon, you can sell it in a year and still make money.

Sponsored